Karnataka Health Minister urges public to use alternatives as 108 ambulance workers threaten strike from October 14 night

Karnataka's Health Minister, U.T. Khader, has called on the public to rely on alternatives to the 108 ambulance service during a potential strike from October 14, citing a shortage of operational vehicles and delays in emergency response. With only 350 to 400 ambulances out of a required 750 currently operational, response times have been affected, sometimes by over 45 minutes, he said.

The minister urged residents to utilize ambulances at government hospitals at the taluk level during emergencies. The government plans to restructure the service and introduce a new fleet through a fresh tender process by December, as the existing fleet has deteriorated since 2018. The Health Minister emphasized that the government will not bow to pressure from the service operator or its employees, who belong to GVK EMRI.

The 108 Ambulance Workers’ Union has demanded wage increases, a uniform pay structure, seniority-based salaries, and improved safety conditions. The union has threatened a strike if its demands are not met.